John Cassidy's sudden passing

With unimaginable heartache and sorrow we share with you the unexpected  passing of a beautiful soul, John J. Cassidy III. John was my brother in law, 48 years old and the middle child in a loving Irish family born and raised in Valley Stream, Long Island.  John was a beloved son of a gentle and caring Mother and quiet and proud Marine corps Father.  A cherished Brother and a loving Husband to my sister.  He was an Uncle of three amazing children and the devoted Father of two beautiful young kids, Roran Shea 10 years old and Delaney Michele 8.  


John was larger than life, a cigar smoking, Bandana wearing Tattooed man with his life's journey told in ink.  A  big man in stature but one the kindest people I ever met.  He was the epitome of Rock and Roll, a musician and singer with a voice full of heart and soul.  A gentle giant full of compassion and sensitivity.  Strong on the outside and full of emotion often hidden inside.  John was the big brother I never had, towering over me and hugging me like a bear every time we saw each other.  I can still feel them now, his hugs were not over until he decided to let go, often longer than your average embrace.  He always told me how much he cared for and loved my sister and how happy he was to be a part of our big family. His unconditional love for his Children Family and Friends was unmatched.  John and his siblings and cousins were inseparable growing up and got even closer as they grew older no matter how far apart in distance they were.   


John worked for the village of Valley stream along with his younger brother and mother.  Anywhere you went in town someone knew Johnny Cass and the Cassidy family.  John would spend his lunch breaks at his mom's house and did everything he could to help make her life easier when his dad passed away.  Almost six years ago John lost his father too soon and I know how much this devastated him as a man with 40+ years .  To think of the pain and sorrow my niece and nephew will feel just breaks my heart. They are young now and it's all very surreal at the moment.  A life without their father will be full of sadness at holidays, birthdays and every day in general.  I know we are surrounded by a wonderful family and friends that will care for these kids  like John would want but nothing can replace a fathers love, touch and presence.  My Father is my closest friend, my confidant and my teacher.  I've looked up to him and always wanted to be like him.   These wonderful kids  have lost that and so much more.  Although they carry many great memories of John with them, it's up to us all as a community, family and circle of friends to keep him alive in spirit.  
 
Aside from being a lover of music John was a die hard Mets Jets fan.  He's been raising the kids to love sports and music as much as he did.   My nephew Roran will soon start middle school 6th grade and will continue playing baseball and studying music. His favorite subject is math and  He's a rock and roller just like his Dad.  Delaney will be starting 3rd grade, she loves to sing and dance  and will  continue playing soccer and baseball, her dad's favorite sport.  John was teaching Roran to play the saxophone and Delaney to jam out on the guitar.  We would sometimes sit around singing karaoke, or just jam out with whatever instruments were around.  John often sang to us as his brother Jimmy played the guitar and someone would beat the drum.  


As I sit here and put my memories and thoughts on paper, it's something I never imagined I would have to do.  There are so many great stories to tell and my heart just aches inside as I relive the moments shared.   I know times are tough for many right now but any donation will help support the future for his family and children.  Please share, in memory of John
John is survived by his Mother Barbara, Sister Julie, Brother Jimmy , Wife Jennifer and his two beautiful children Roran and Delaney.  This go fund me  page was created By myself  Mike "Bagels" Kirsic and all donations for anyone who wishes to contribute will go directly to the benefit of his Wife and Children . Thank you all!